Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
In the story of Peter and the Wolf, Peter is a little boy who seems a bit naïve, perhaps like a sheep. Beyond the wall of his grandparents yard is a beautiful garden with the pond, but there are hidden dangers, the grandfather warns. Despite his grandparents wishes Peter goes and plays beyond the gate. This story which is wonderfully woven with classical music by Sergei Prokofiev, reminds us that even serene setting can be laden with awaiting traps.
Peter and the Wolf is a tale about naivety, courage, and cunning, but it is also a story about not underestimating the power of a child. Peter in some ways is like a shepherd who is trying to protect his flock. In today’s readings both Paul and Jesus encourage the flock to be protective of their faith. Indeed, both of them are speaking about the near future when they will no longer be physically present to the community that they have protected and nourished until now.
In Paul’s parting words to the leaders of the church in Ephesus, he reminds the elders to be vigilant for the ‘savage wolves’ which will come and draw disciples away. Who and where are the wolves in our lives? The goal of wolves is to tear apart communities both big and small. This destruction is for their own selfish purposes, although they may be disguised as anything but sinister. Paul wishes to protect his followers; therefore he admonishes them to stay fervent to the Word and to live as he by working hard and by showing compassion to the weak. Paul’s encouragement is so that the Body of Christ be protected so that it thrives free from the obstacles the wolves may present.
In the Gospel, Jesus gives us a framework to understand the wolves and echoes that we too are called stay true to the Word. It is in this consecration to the Word and to the truth that we will be preserved and protected from the Evil One. As one friend describes it, evil is about tearing down, while holiness is about building up. Sometimes the lines are blurred especially when the wolves are family members, neighbors or even co-workers. Sometimes the lure of the wolf draws us in to its destructive mission, yet we must resist.
Both Paul and Jesus pray for a Spirit of protection over the community. The purpose of Jesus’ prayer is so that the disciples will share in the Lord’s joy. His prayer is that the Father will “consecrate them in the truth.” We too are encouraged to consecrate ourselves to the truth. In doing so, we will have the tools to stave off the wolves. By staying true to Jesus and the one who sent Him, we show we belong to them and not to the world of the ‘Evil One. Consider today how your words and deeds reflect to whom you belong.
Lord, we dedicate our day and our lives to you! Guide us so that we stay faithful in our consecration to the truth, so that our lives are positive songs of that give praise to all the kingdoms of the earth. Amen! Alleluia!
-Michael Montgomery